“I’m honored to be the grand marshall and to celebrate Irish heritage at the Jersey Shore,” Henry [shown at right] said in the release.

“Big Joe embodies our sense of community and caring,” said Jackie Pappas, executive director of the city’s chamber of commerce and a member of the parade committee. “If anyone can get a crowd to be Irish and celebrate for a day, it’s Big Joe.”

The parade is scheduled for Sunday, March 8, 2015. It begins at the intersection of Ocean and Fourth avenues, heads south down Ocean, turns right at the Carousel House and continues southwest down Cookman Avenue to Main Street. A judge’s review stand is set up in Press Plaza.

The parade showcases creative and artistic floats by The Stone Pony/Wonder Bar, who took home the 2014 parade prize for award-winning float, The Asbury Park Chamber of Commerce, Confections Of A Rock$tar, The Cameo Bar, The Hotel Tides, and the NJ Zombie Walk.

Asbury Park Fire Marshall and Committee President Garrett Giberson plans for the 2015 parade to be “bigger and better than the first year,” he said in the release.

“The response to last year’s parade was fantastic, we had 5,000 fans in the city — it was a great day for Asbury Park in early Spring,” he said.

The nonprofit event is supported by donations, fundraising events and a growing list of sponsors.

A fundraising dinner to honor Henry is scheduled for Thursday, Feb. 19 from 7 to 10 p.m. at Jimmy’s Restaurant, located at 1405 Asbury Ave. A $50 ticket gets the bearer a buffet dinner and beverage ticket. Entertainment will be provided and a silent auction will also take place. Raffle tickets will also be available for a chance to win one of three trips to Ireland for two; sponsored by Excel Travel. A portion of the proceeds from the raffle benefit the Asbury Park Historical Society. Dinner tickets are available for sale at Johnny Mac’s and The Asbury Park Chamber of Commerce office at 1201 Springwood Ave.

On January 4, Johnny Mac’s House of Spirits [208 Main Street] will host a $10 all-you-can-eat pancake fundraisers at 9 a.m. DJ’s Delights [620 Mattison Ave.] will host the same breakfast on January 11, also at 9 a.m.

The New Jersey Education Association, Asbury Park Press, The Coaster newspaper, Knock Off and boardwalk redeveloper Madison Marquette helped the inaugural parade get off the ground last year and will provide continued support for the 2015 parade.